Perseid meteor shower to peak over Calgary this weekend

The annual Perseid Meteor Shower has arrived, and NASA expects it to be one of the best potential meteor viewing opportunities this year.

According to Space, typically there are about 80 meteors an hour, although last year saw between 150-200 meteors an hour. While this year’s peak is expected around 1 pm ET on August 12, meaning the night before and the night after should have good viewing rates, Space recommends the predawn hours of August 12 for the best show.

And while last August saw “an outburst year” when it comes to the shower, this year is expected to be a little more difficult to see due to the presence of the moon, “which will be three-quarters full and will rise shortly before the shower hits its peak around midnight local time,” reports Space.

The display is also very weather dependent, as views may be hindered by cloudy skies. Here in Calgary, the Weather Network is predicting a clear sky on August 12, so we could have a great show.

Time: Watch the spectacle between midnight and dawn on the morning of August 12. NASA recommends about 45 minutes for your eyes to adjust to darkness.

Place: Darkness is required for optimal viewing, which is pretty tough in the city. But try one of the local parks, such as High Park. Your rooftop may not be the best solution, especially if you’re in downtown Toronto (you need to get as far away from light pollution as possible.)